WORLD LITERATURE

(JAPAN)
Prepared by: Princess De C.
Puntual
 JAPANESE POETRY
(HAIKU AND TANKA)
■ The beginning of Japanese poetry is said to be some kind of
screaming or crying which express the human emotions. Those
expressions evolved into the songs for ceremonial gathering and
religious rituals. However, those songs are lost due to non-existence
of written language in ancient Japan.
■ Poetry in Japan started out as a popular activity during the 9 th and
12th centuries called the “TANKA” which was a progressive poem
where one person would write the first three lines with a 5-7-5
structure which is called the “HAIKU”, and the next person would
add to it a section with a 7-7 structure. The chain would continue in
this fashion.
HAIKU
■ Is a compact poem of 3 lines and 17 syllables. Each lines
has a set of number of syllable.
Line 1 = 5 syllables
Line 2 = 7 syllables
Line 3 = 5 syllables
HAIKU STRUCTURE: 5-7-5
■ Focuses on a single moment, giving a very brief description
of some event or object belonging to NATURE.
■ In a Haiku, there is a word related to a particular season, it
is called KIGO in Japanese. E.g. frogs and cherry blossom =
Spring, snowfall suggests Winter, and evening showers
suggests Summer.
MATSUO BASHŌ
■ Is known as Japan’s master of the
HAIKU. As a young man, he served
a Samurai until this man’s death
left him free to concentrate on
poetry. His style influenced by
Chinese poetry revitalized the
Haiku form. Bashō’s poetry reflects
his passion for nature. He was
born in 1644 and died in 1694.

“Don’t follow in the footsteps of

the old poets, seek what they
sought.”
YOSANO BUSON
■ Is considered Haiku’s second
greatest master. Buson studied
painting and poetry in Edo (now
Tokyo). Though he became an
accomplished painter, Buson is
best known for his poetry, which
displays a fascination with color
and visual detail. Buson was
born in 1716 and died in 1783.
 FAMOUS HAIKU

A summer river (5) Over a wintry (5)

Being crossed, pleasing it is (7) Forest, the winds howl in rage (7)
Sandals in my hands (5) With no leaves to blow (5)
By Yosano Buson By Natsume Soseki

Falling to the ground (5) White caps on the bay (5)

I watch a leaf settle down (7) A broken signboard banging (7)
In a bed of brown (5) In the April wind (5)
Anonymous By Richard Wright
TANKA
■ A form of poetry with 5 lines and 31 syllables. Its line has
a set of number of syllables.
Line 1 = 5 syllables
Line 2 = 7 syllables
Line 3 = 5 syllables
Line 4 = 7 syllables
Line 5 = 7 syllables
TANKA STRUCTURE: 5-7-5-7-7
 –
■ Composition of beautiful poetry was regarded as essential for
women and men.

FAMOUS TANKA POEMS:

Last night I tasted (5) Our dreams started here (5)
Moment of swollen honey (7) Star struck lovers believing (7)
Our reverent lips (5) Nothing could go wrong (5)
Pressing the cold world away (7) Now that you have gone, my
life (7)
Alone with you in a crowd (7) Is as empty as our bench (7)
ASSIGNMENT
Construct either a TANKA or a HAIKU choosing one
topic/theme below.

HAIKU (5-7-5) TANKA (5-7-5-7-7)

1. Nature 1. Confession of love for someone
2. Love 2. Hatred
3. Favorite Pet 3. Longing
4. The sound of the rain 4. Admiration for someone